Even though he was a fall guy legend for decades, we first got to know Spanky Spangler in Butte back in 2002. That is when he lit himself on fire and jumped off Hotel Finlen.
Yes, you read that correctly. He lit himself on fire and jumped off the iconic hotel.
That was part of the first Evel Knievel Week in Butte. That turned into Evel Kneivel Dayz and then Evel Knievel Days. Spanky was a highlight almost every year. He also jumped a car, jumped out of a hot-air balloon, jumped off the Original head frame jumped off the Metals Bank Building and then jumped off the Finlen again.
On Friday, Spanky, 75, will make his retirement jump at the Butte Civic Center. You do not want to miss it. Also, you do not want to miss this conversation as Spanky tells his story.
Today's podcast is brought to you by Thriftway Super Stops. Join the Thriftway Loyalty Club today and save big. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
